JP7189220B2 - Piston for folding cartridge - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to pistons for folding cartridges. In particular, the present invention relates to pistons for collapsible cartridges that reduce the volume of waste and air within the cartridge.

In the architectural and dental field, cartridges are used to dispense liquids, for example sealing components, i.e. components for chemical dowels or chemical anchors, adhesives, pastes or impression materials in the dental field. often used.

Conventional dispensers are single component systems in which the material to be dispensed is formed from one and two components, or at least two different components are stored in separate chambers of the same cartridge or in separate cartridges. It can be a multi-component system. In a two-component system or a multi-component system, the ingredients are mixed by a dynamic or static mixing device. Examples of multiple component systems include adhesives or chemical dowels that cure only after the two components are mixed. Two-component systems may also be used in industry for paints, which are often used to create functional protective layers such as for corrosion protection.

Many conventional systems can include prefilled cartridges designed for single use. In such systems, a significant amount of waste will be generated both in terms of volume and mass. An alternative to these cartridges are unfilled cartridges that can be shipped by the cartridge manufacturer to the fill material manufacturer, who then fills the empty cartridges. Although the weight of an unfilled cartridge is relatively small, an empty cartridge has a relatively large volume and thus requires a large amount of space during shipping, resulting in a transfer from the cartridge manufacturer to the media manufacturer. The costs associated with shipping empty cartridges are relatively high. Storage costs for empty cartridges both at the cartridge manufacturer and at the media manufacturer are also relatively high due to space requirements. Such costs represent a significant portion of the overall manufacturing cost of the cartridge.

It has been found advantageous to provide a system and method for improving cartridge folding. In particular, it has been determined that improvements in the folding of the cartridge can reduce the space required for storage and shipping purposes and also reduce waste of the ingredients that fill the cartridge.

In view of the state of the art known, one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a piston for collapsible material dispensing cartridges, the piston comprising a rigid portion and a flexible portion. The rigid portion has a first diameter, a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to be positioned in a material dispensing direction. The flexible portion has a second diameter shorter than the first diameter, a first end disposed in the direction of dispensing of the material, and a second end disposed in the opposite direction. The flexible portion is positioned on the first end of the rigid portion such that the second end of the flexible portion is positioned to face the first end of the rigid portion. The flexible portion radially expands when a force is applied to the first end of the flexible portion to compress the collapsible cartridge between the flexible portion and the inner surface of the support cartridge. , and is configured for longitudinal compression.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a dispensing system that includes a cartridge and a piston. The cartridge has a head portion and a cartridge wall defining a receiving chamber configured to hold media to be dispensed. The head portion includes a surface and an outlet at the surface. The outlet is configured to allow material to be dispensed therethrough. The cartridge wall is configured to be collapsible. The piston is configured to collapse the cartridge and dispense the media. The piston has a first diameter, a first end and a second end, the first end being a rigid portion configured to be disposed in a material dispensing direction. , a second diameter shorter than the first diameter, and a flexible portion having a first end disposed in the direction of dispensing of the material and a second end disposed in the opposite direction. The flexible portion is positioned on the first end of the rigid portion and is flexible such that the second end of the flexible portion is positioned to face the first end of the rigid portion. The flexible portion is configured to radially expand about 1 mm to 3 mm when a force is applied to the piston in the direction of material dispensing such that the first end of the flexible portion contacts the surface of the head portion. It is

Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a method of filling a cartridge with material, the method comprising folding the cartridge with a piston having a rigid portion and a flexible portion, the flexible portion is located at the dispensing end of the piston, and folds and expands the piston so that the flexible portion of the piston contacts the surface of the head portion of the cartridge and radially expands the diameter of the flexible portion. compressing the cartridge between the radial surface of the flexible portion and the inner surface of the cartridge support; applying material through openings in the head portion to move the piston away from the head portion; and moving to the

Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this original disclosure.

1 is an exploded perspective view of a piston according to a first embodiment of the invention in combination with a support cartridge; FIG. Figure 2 is an exploded side elevational view of the support cartridge of Figure 1; Figure 2 is a side view of the two-component cartridge of Figure 1 in an expanded state; Figure 2 is a side view of the two-component cartridge of Figure 1 in a compressed state; Figure 2 is a partial side elevational view of the piston of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a top perspective view of the piston of Figure 5 with the flexible portion removed; Figure 2 shows a filling process for the cartridge of Figure 1; Figure 2 shows a filling process for the cartridge of Figure 1; Figure 2 shows a filling process for the cartridge of Figure 1; Figure 2 shows a filling process for the cartridge of Figure 1; Figure 2 shows a filling process for the cartridge of Figure 1; Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the piston and cartridge of Figure 1 in a compressed state; FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a piston;

Selected embodiments are described below with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following description of the examples is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the invention, as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. Will.

1 and 2, a distribution system 10 according to one embodiment of the invention is illustrated. Dispensing system 10 includes support cartridge system 12 , two-component collapsible cartridge 14 , and piston system 16 . As can be appreciated, dispensing system 10, when loaded with ingredients, can be inserted into a dispensing device to dispense one or more ingredients as is known in the art.

As will be appreciated, the two component dispensing system 10 as described in the present invention is configured to hold, store and dispense two separate components. The two components can be mixed at the time of dispensing or at any suitable time. Such a two-component dispensing system allows materials or components that would otherwise be stored for significant periods of time to be stored and later used. Note that the piston and dispensing system 10 described in the present invention can be used in single component dispensing systems, two component dispensing systems, or multiple component (three or more) systems if desired. want to be

Directing attention to FIG. 3, a two-component collapsible cartridge 14 is illustrated. The cartridge includes a first generally cylindrical receiving chamber (or cartridge) 14a and a second generally cylindrical receiving chamber (or cartridge) 14b. Receiving chambers 14 a and 14 b are each defined by cartridge walls 18 a and 18 b and a common head portion 20 . A common head portion 20 preferably forms end faces or surfaces 22 and 24 of each of the receiving chambers 14a and 14b. The ends 26a and 26b of the two cartridge walls 18a and 18b are positioned away from the head portion 20 and are respectively guided together toward the central axes Ca and Cb of the respective receiving chambers 18a and 18b to provide the respective clamps. The ends may be hermetically closed by rings 28a and 28b, or may be tied together in any other suitable manner.

As shown in FIG. 3, the _first receiving chamber 14a has a diameter D1 that is greater than the diameter D2 of the _second receiving chamber 14b, however, the receiving chambers 14a and 14b have the same diameter, or They may have approximately the same diameter, or they may have any desired diameter. That is, the diameters can have any relative size to each other that allows two separate components or materials to be mixed together in suitable or desired proportions.

Ends 30a and 30b of receiving chambers 14a and 14b facing head portion 20 are connected to head portion 20 in a sealing and non-releasable manner. In one embodiment, head portion 20 is injection molded onto the ends of receiving chambers 14a and 14b. The head portion 20 may be formed from a shape stable plastic, and the cartridge walls 18a and 18b may be formed as multi-layer films, each of which is cylindrical in its predominantly central region. It is rolled, welded or otherwise connected to form seams 31 at its longitudinal edges, thereby forming with the head portion 20 cylindrical receiving chambers 18a and 18b. .

The head portion 20 preferably includes two outlets 20a and 20b for filling the containment chamber with a filling component or material and for the filling component or material out of the containment chamber. It is connected to receiving chambers 18a and 18b for distribution. A screw cap 32 can be used to close the outlet.

As can be seen, FIG. 3 illustrates the receiving chambers 14a and 14b in an empty state. In other words, the receiving chambers 14a and 14b are not yet filled with a specific component, ie the material to be dispensed, as shown in FIG. However, as shown in this embodiment, cartridge walls 18a and 18b have a substantially cylindrical shape due to the stiffness of the film material used. Note that this cylindrical shape represents the expanded state of storage chambers 14a and 14b, with the maximum volume of the storage chambers.

As shown in FIG. 4, the cartridge walls 18a and 18b can be pushed or compressed together longitudinally of the receiving chambers 14a and 14b prior to filling with ingredients. When the folded state as described in the present invention is achieved, such state reduces the space required for storage and transport and reduces waste of the components filling the containment chambers 14a and 14b. is allowed to be reduced.

1 and 2, the support cartridge system 12 includes a first support cartridge 12a and a second support cartridge 12b each including a first hollow cylinder 34a and a second hollow cylinder 34b. including. The first hollow cylinder 34a and the second hollow cylinder 34b are sized and configured to receive the first receiving chamber 14a and the second receiving chamber 14b, respectively, of the dual-component collapsible cartridge 14. It is The first hollow cylinder 34a and the second hollow cylinder 34b have first openings 36a and 36b and second openings 38a and 38b, respectively. First openings 36a and 36b are configured to receive respective receiving chambers 14a and 14b and second opposite openings 38a and 38b are configured to receive respective pistons 16a and 16b. there is As described in the present invention, the first receiving chamber 14a and the second receiving chamber 14b are closed to their respective receiving openings 36a and 36b until the head portion 20 contacts the ends of the respective support cartridges 12a and 12b. can be pushed into

Piston system 16 includes a first piston 16a and a second piston 16b, which are of generally identical construction, the primary difference being size or relative diameters. Therefore, only the first piston 16a is shown in detail in the views of FIGS. 5 and 6 show a first embodiment of the invention. The piston 16a is preferably generally cylindrical and sized and configured to fit snugly within the inner peripheral surface 40 of the support cartridge 12a. Note that in this embodiment the piston 16a need not form a seal with the support cartridge 12a. However, piston 16a preferably forms a tight fit with support cartridge 12a to prevent receiving chamber 14a from becoming pinched between support cartridge 12a and piston 16a.

Piston 16a has a first portion 42 and a second portion 44 . First portion 42 is preferably a rigid portion having a first diameter D3 _, a first end 46 and a second end 48 . A first end 46 of the rigid portion is arranged in the material distribution direction DD (ie the direction in which the components are dispensed) and a second end 48 is arranged in the opposite side (filling direction FD). A second end 48 of the rigid portion 42 can receive the pressure or force required to move the piston through the support cartridge 12a. Rigid portion 42 is preferably formed from any suitable plastic or metal that is rigid and does not bend under pressure. However, rigid portion 42 may be formed from any suitable material.

As shown in FIG. 6, the rigid portion 42 includes a first rigid portion 42a and a second rigid portion 42b. The first rigid portion 42 a is positioned outside the second portion 44 and the second rigid portion 42 b is positioned inside the second portion 44 . First rigid portion 42 a includes radially outer surface 50 adjacent second end 48 and second rigid portion 42 b includes protrusion 52 adjacent first end 46 . The radially outer surface 50 includes a skirt 54 or sealing lip extending therefrom in the dispensing direction. Skirt 54 preferably extends around the entire circumference of first rigid portion 42a, but may extend in any suitable or desired manner. Skirt 54 preferably extends radially outwardly from end 56 of radially outer surface 50 and has a diameter approximately the same size as the inner diameter of support cartridge 12a. The skirt 54 is thus sized and configured to slide within the inner surface of the support cartridge 12a. In this connection, the skirt 54 is supported in such a way that it is neither inclined with respect to the dispensing direction DD nor sealed against the inner surface so that the piston 16a can move inside the support cartridge 12a. Note that it is configured to fit inside cartridge 12a. In one embodiment, a hole 61 or holes may be placed in skirt 54 or rigid body 42 to allow air to travel in the opposite direction of dispense direction DD during dispense. can. The holes 61 may also be used to allow air to travel in the distribution direction DD during filling of the respective receiving chambers 14a and 14b, i.e. air travels in the direction opposite to the filling direction FD. It should be understood that this is permissible. Such a construction prevents air from being trapped between piston 16a and receiving chamber 14a while allowing a tight fit between skirt 54 and inner peripheral surface 40 of support cartridge 12a. In addition, the skirt 54 preferably has a material distribution structure to allow fitting (in the folded state) of a portion of or the entirety of the cartridge wall 18a between the inner surface 58 thereof and the second portion 42 thereof. direction (see FIG. 8).

In one embodiment, the radially outer surface 50 of the first rigid portion 42a and the outer surface 60 of the skirt 54 also include a plurality of integral ribs or tabs 62 radially spaced therearound. Tabs 62 generally project from radially outer surface 50 of rigid portion 42 and outer surface 60 of skirt 54 and extend longitudinally in distribution direction DD. In one embodiment, the radially outer surface 50 and the outer surface 60 of the skirt 54 include four tabs 62 evenly spaced therearound; however, there may be any suitable number of tabs 62; Note that tabs 62 may be spaced apart in any suitable manner. As shown in FIG. 6, tabs 62 may be rectangular in shape and may extend from second end 48 of rigid portion 42 to end 64 of skirt 54 . Tabs 62 prevent cartridge wall 18a from advancing beyond end 64 of skirt 54 of piston 16a when compressed. If the cartridge wall 18a progresses beyond the end 64 of the skirt 54, a portion of the cartridge wall 18a may become pinched between the piston 16a and the support cartridge 12a and break. If the cartridge wall 18a is compromised in this manner, new flow paths for components or materials may form, creating an undesirable ballooning effect behind the piston 16a.

Projection 52 is preferably cylindrical and has a diameter less than the diameter of end 64 of skirt 54 . Projection 52 may include an arcuate edge 66 extending from an edge formed by first end 46 and an upper radial surface 68 of second rigid portion 42b. This protrusion 52 extends support at edge 66 and guides cartridge wall 18a to allow cartridge wall 18a to conform to the geometry of the piston and dispensed from two-component collapsible cartridge 14. Push the amount of material to be.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the second portion 44 preferably has a _second diameter D4 which is less than the diameter D3 of the _first rigid portion 42a and a first diameter D4 disposed in the material dispensing direction DD. A flexible portion having an end 68 and a second end 70 arranged in the opposite direction (filling direction FD). Flexible portion 44 is positioned at first end 46 of rigid portion 42 such that second end 70 of flexible portion 44 faces first end 46 of rigid portion 42 . are arranged as follows.

The flexible portion 44 preferably has a force applied to a first end 68 of the flexible portion 44 to compress the collapsible cartridge between the flexible portion 44 and the surface 22 of the support cartridge 12a. It is formed from a material that is capable of radial expansion and longitudinal compression when applied. Accordingly, flexible portion 44 may be formed of any material suitable for achieving sufficient radial expansion. Suitable materials may include, but are not limited to, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), silicone, any other elastomeric material or any suitable flexible material. In one embodiment, flexible portion 44 is formed from a material having a durometer hardness of approximately between 15 and 60 on the A durometer scale. Preferably the flexible material is formed from a material having a durometer hardness of around 25 Shore A.

Flexible portion 44 includes an internal cavity 72 and at least a portion of rigid portion 42 extends into internal cavity 72 . In other words, flexible portion 44 has a recess defining an internal cavity 72 sized and configured to receive rigid portion 42 . As described above, this embodiment extends support at the edges and guides cartridge wall 18a to allow cartridge wall 18a to conform to the geometry of the piston and two-component folding. The amount of material to be dispensed from formula cartridge 14 is propelled.

The overall height of flexible portion 44 relative to the length of cartridge wall 18a is such that flexible portion 44 meets end surface 22 of head portion 20 before cartridge wall 18a reaches its compressed height. Approximately 1 to 2 mm should be determined to initially contact. Such a compression distance will generally provide sufficient radial expansion to compress the cartridge wall 18a. However, the deviation of the flexible portion 44 near the edges is reduced due to the projections 52 as discussed above, otherwise the tension in the cartridge wall 18a in this region would cause the diameter to be larger than desired. may become. Such an enlarged diameter can trap material and air inside the cartridge wall 18a, which is undesirable.

As best seen from the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5, cavity 72 of flexible portion 44 forms a recess 71 that receives protrusion 52 of rigid portion 42 . Preferably, projection 52 is received within recess 71 in a form-fitting manner. Receiving the protrusion 52 in the recess 71 allows the flexible portion 44 to be stably placed on the rigid portion 42 . Further, upon compression of flexible portion 44 in distribution direction DD, protrusions 52 received in recesses 71 prevent excessive radial expansion of flexible portion 44 . At the same time, flexible portion 44 is guided in dispensing direction DD to exert a specific force on cartridge 14 so that more material is dispensed therefrom.

When the flexible portion 44 is compressed against the end surface 22 of the head portion 20, the flexible material or flexible portion 44 is longitudinally compressed and radially expanded. In other words, the flexible portion 44 can be flattened against the end surface 22 of the head portion 20 , which results in a radial expansion of the diameter of the flexible portion 44 . Preferably, the flexible material of flexible portion 44 expands in diameter in radial direction RD by approximately 1 to 3 mm when a force of approximately 250 N is applied to first end 68 . Preferably, the diameter of the flexible portion (44, 144) is such that when a force of 250 N is applied to the flexible portion (44, 144), in particular the force is at least approximately parallel to the distribution direction DD. Expands 2 to 15% while applied to the flexible portion. In one embodiment, flexible portion 44 expands in diameter in radial direction RD by approximately 2 mm. This radial expansion may occur between the radially outer surface 74 of the flexible portion 44 and the inner surface 40 of the support sleeve 12a and/or between the radially outer surface 74 of the flexible portion 44 and the inner surface 58 of the skirt 54. compresses the cartridge wall 18a of the compressed cartridge. Such a structure reduces entrapment of residual waste or air within the cartridge.

First end 68 of flexible portion 44 can have any suitable configuration. For example, first end 68 may be generally or substantially flat or planar, it may also have an arcuate or curved configuration, or it may be pointed , or may have an angled configuration. The radially outer surface 74 of the flexible portion 44 may be generally parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the piston 16a, or may form an angle with the longitudinal axis L. That is, the diameter _D4 of the flexible portion 44 at the radially outer surface 74 may decrease in the dispensing direction. That is, the diameter _D4 of the flexible portion 44 may decrease in the dispensing direction DD. Preferably, the height H ₁ of the flexible portion 44 (from the point where the skirt meets the radially outer surface 73 of the rigid member) is approximately 12 to 15 mm, preferably approximately 14.2 mm. Furthermore, the thickness T of the flexible portion from the radially outer surface 73 of the first rigid portion 42a (ie, the radially inner surface of the flexible portion 44) to the radially outer surface 74 of the flexible portion 44 ₁ is approximately 1.9 mm to approximately 5.2 mm, preferably approximately 3.8 mm. The thickness T2 of the flexible portion 44 from the protrusion 52 of the _second rigid portion 42b to the first end 58 of the flexible portion 44 is approximately 6.3 mm to 3.2 mm. The thickness T3 of flexible portion 44 from first end 46 of rigid portion 42 to first end 68 of flexible portion 44 is _{approximately} 6.5 mm to 8.3 mm. Thus, the ratio of the height H1 of the flexible portion 44 to the distance from the _first end 46 of the rigid portion 42 to the first end 68 of the flexible portion 44 is approximately 0.5 to 0.5. between .55.

The height H2 of the flexible portion 44 from the end 64 of the skirt 54 to the _first end 68 of the flexible portion is approximately 7 to 9 mm. However, it should be noted that the dimensions are merely an example and that the dimensions of flexible portion 44 relative to rigid portion 42 and any other dimensions may be any suitable dimensions.

7A-7E, the manner in which the two-component collapsible cartridge 14 can be filled is illustrated. In one embodiment, the two-component collapsible cartridge 14 is shipped empty to the seller or user. An empty two-component collapsible cartridge 14 as shown in Figure 7a is connected to the support cartridge system 12 and then inserted into the filling device D as shown in Figure 7B. The loading device D includes a mounting mechanism M configured to attach to the head portion 20 and hold the two-component collapsible cartridge 14 in a desired and proper position. Once in position, the piston system 16 is inserted into the support cartridge system 12 . The piston system 16 is actuated by forces from multiple plungers P, as shown in FIG. 7B. The force F exerted by each plunger P can be of any suitable amount (eg 250 N) and can be any desired, for example using compressed air, mechanical force or any other suitable device. can be supplied in the form of The piston system 16 moves in the dispensing direction towards the end face of the head portion 20 . As the piston system 16 moves in this direction, each piston 16a within the piston system 16 enters an open end 80 of a respective cartridge wall 18a and 18b. Edges 82 of each of cartridge walls 18a and 18b are gathered in the region between skirt 54 and radially outer surface(s) 74 of flexible portion 44. As shown in FIG. Heights H ₁ and H ₂ may be important here, as they can affect the amount of air released or the components dispensed from the storage chambers 14a and 14b. Air is expelled from the cartridge as the piston system 16 continues to move and gather the cartridge wall 18a.

Piston system 16 continues to move in dispensing direction DD and contacts end faces 22 and 24 of head portion 20 . When the piston system 16 contacts these surfaces 22 and 24 , the force F is maintained in the dispensing direction DD thereby causing the flexible portion 44 of each of the pistons 16 a and 16 b to contact the surfaces 22 and 24 of the head portion 20 . It is compressed in the longitudinal direction L so that it hits. This compression radially expands the flexible portion 44 of each piston. As described in the present invention, the radial expansion can be approximately 1 to 3 mm (or more preferably approximately 2 mm) when approximately 250 N of force is applied to the first end 68; Note that the radial expansion can be any suitable amount. As shown in FIG. 8, the radial expansion occurs in the area where the cartridge wall 18a is gathered, thereby connecting the cartridge wall 18a to the radially outer surface 74 of the flexible portion 44 and the inner surface 40 of the support sleeve 16a. and/or between the radially outer surface 74 of the flexible portion 44 and the inner surface 58 of the skirt 54 . This compression releases excess ingredients from the collapsible cartridge.

As shown in FIG. 7C, a filling nozzle N can then be attached to the head portion 20 to jet or dispense the desired ingredients onto the cartridge walls 18a and 18b. The force F of the filling nozzle N expands the cartridge walls 18a and 18b and pushes the piston system 16 in the filling direction FD (opposite to the dispensing direction) as shown in Figure 7D. As will be appreciated, the force F of the plunger P can be removed so that the fill nozzle N need only overcome the static force of the plunger P and the expansion of the cartridge walls 18a and 18b. Once the plunger P contacts the limit switch LS, the fill nozzle N can be deactivated. Distribution system 10 can then be removed and closed.

To dispense, the two-component collapsible cartridge 14 is simply inserted into the dispensing device and dispensed. If desired, dispensing can be accomplished using the piston system 16 described in the present invention, which includes cartridge walls 18a and 18b in the region between skirt 54a and radially outer surface 74. is gathered and the ingredients are distributed in a manner similar to the filling described above. That is, as the piston system 16 moves through the support cartridge system 12 , the collapsible cartridge walls 18 a and 18 b gather and the components are dispensed through the head portion 20 . Piston system 16 then continues to move in dispensing direction DD and contacts end faces 22 and 24 of head portion 20 . When the piston system 16 contacts these surfaces, a force F (eg, 250 N) is maintained in the dispensing direction DD, thereby causing the flexible portion 44 of each piston 16a and 16b to contact the surface 22 of the head portion 20 and the surface 22 of the head portion 20. 24 is compressed in the longitudinal direction L. This compression radially expands the flexible portion 44 of each piston 16a and 16b. As described in the present invention, the radial expansion can be approximately 1 to 3 mm (or more preferably approximately 2 mm) when approximately 250 N of force is applied to the first end 68; Note that the radial expansion can be any suitable amount. Radial expansion occurs in the area where cartridge walls 18a and 18b are brought together, thus drawing cartridge walls 18a and 18b between radially outer surface 74 of flexible portion 44 and inner surface 40 of support sleeves 12a and 12b. and/or between the radially outer surface 74 of the flexible portion 44 and the inner surface 58 of the skirt 54 . This compression releases excess air from the collapsible cartridge.

The piston structure described in the present invention improves the amount of ingredient that can be dispensed by both removing excess air during the filling procedure and releasing excess ingredient during the dispensing procedure. Such systems reduce component waste, thereby reducing costs and reducing environmental impact.

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of piston 116. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, skirt 154 is attached to flexible portion 144 . That is, the flexible portion 144a includes a first portion 144a and a second portion 144b. The first portion 144a is tubular and is connected to the rigid portion 142 at its radially outer surface 152 . Second portion 144b generally comprises a compressible/flexible portion 146 that functions in the same manner as flexible portion 144 described in the present invention. Skirt 154, in this embodiment, is attached to transverse portion 148 between first portion 144a and second portion 144b and extends in distribution direction DD. Here, the second portion 144b preferably has a height of approximately 9.5mm to 12.9mm. Piston 116 functions in the same manner as described in the present invention with respect to pistons 16a and 16b of the first embodiment.

Rigid portion 142 as shown in FIG. 9 does not have projections 52 like rigid portion 42 shown in FIGS. , and such projections 52 can also be envisioned to be received in cavities 71 of flexible portion 144 .

Note that any description of one piston described in the present invention can be applied to multiple pistons.

The dispensing and filling devices into which the dispensing system is inserted to affect dispensing are conventional components well known in the art. As dispensing and filling devices are well known in the art, their structure will not be discussed in detail or shown in detail in the present invention. Rather, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that these components may be any type of structure and/or may include any programming that can be used to implement the present invention. deaf.

General Interpretation of Terms In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, refer to the functions, elements, components, groups, integers and It is intended to be an open-ended term that specifies the presence of/or steps but does not exclude the presence of other undescribed functions, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words of similar meaning such as the terms "including", "having" and their derivatives. Also, the terms "part" or "portion" when used in the singular may have the dual meaning of single part or multiple parts. Also, as used herein to describe the above embodiment(s), the following directional terms refer to such orientation of the system with piston for the collapsible cartridge. . Accordingly, such terms, when utilized to describe the present invention, should be interpreted with respect to a system with a piston for a folding cartridge.

The term "configured", as used in the present invention to describe a component, section or part of a device, is constructed and/or programmed to perform a desired function. hardware and/or software.

Terms of degree, such as "substantially," "approximately," and "about," as used herein, refer to the amount of reasonable deviation of the terms adjusted. So the final result is not significantly changed.

Although only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the invention, various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. It will be clear to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure. For example, the size, shape, arrangement or orientation of various components can be changed as needed and/or desired. Components shown directly connected to each other or in direct contact with each other may have intermediate structures disposed therebetween. The function of one element may be performed by two elements and vice versa. Structures and functions of one embodiment may be adapted to another embodiment. Not all advantages need be presented simultaneously in a particular embodiment. All features that are unique from the prior art are likewise subject to separate inventions by applicant, including structural and/or functional concepts embodied by such features, alone or in combination with other features. should be considered a separate description of Accordingly, the foregoing description of embodiments in accordance with the present invention is provided for purposes of illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (31)

A piston (16a, 16b, 116) for a collapsible cartridge (14) for dispensing material, comprising:
having a first diameter ( _D3 ), a first end (46) and a second end (48), said first end (46) being disposed in the material dispensing direction (DD); a rigid portion (42, 142) configured to
a second diameter (D4) smaller than said _first diameter ( _D3 ), a first end (68) arranged in the direction of distribution (DD) of said material and a second a flexible portion (44, 144) having an end (70) of, said flexible portion (44, 144) being connected to said second end of said flexible portion (44, 144) on said first end (46) of said rigid portion (42, 142) such that (70) is positioned opposite said first end (46) of said rigid portion (42, 142). and said flexible portion (44, 144) expands radially and longitudinally when a force is applied to said first end (68) of said flexible portion (44, 144). a flexible portion (44; 144) and pistons (16a, 16b, 116). A piston (16a, 16b, 116) according to claim 1, further comprising a skirt (54, 154) configured to bring said cartridge (14) together when said cartridge (14) is compressed. A piston (16a, 16b, 116) according to claim 2, wherein said skirt (54, 154) is disposed on one of said flexible portion (44, 144) and said rigid portion (42, 142). A piston (16a, 16b, 116) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said skirt (54, 154) includes tabs (62) on its outer surface (60). Piston (16a, 16b, 116) according to at least one of claims 2 to 4, wherein at least one hole (61) is arranged in said skirt (54, 154). 6. The first end (68) of the flexible portion (44, 144) is planar, curved, pointed or angled, according to claims 1 to 5 A piston (16a, 16b, 116) according to at least one of Said flexible portion (44, 144) includes a radially outer surface (74), said radially outer surface (74) decreasing in said diameter (D4) in the direction of distribution ₍ DD) of said material. 7. The piston (16a, 16b, 116) according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, having a . The piston (16a, 16b, 16a, 16b) according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said flexible portion (44, 144) is formed from a material having a durometer hardness of approximately between 15 and 60. 116). Piston (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said flexible portion (44, 144) is made from an elastomeric or flexible material, in particular from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or silicone. 16a, 16b, 116). 10. A piston (16a, 16b, 116) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the diameter of said flexible material is adapted to expand radially by approximately 1mm to 3mm when said force is about 250N. ). 11. At least the A piston (16a, 16b, 116) according to claim 1. 12. The device of claims 1 to 11, wherein said flexible portion (44, 144) includes an internal cavity (72) and at least a portion of said rigid portion (42, 142) extends into said internal cavity (72). Piston (16a, 16b, 116) according to at least one clause. 13. Piston according to at least one of claims 1 to 12, wherein said first end (46) of said rigid portion (42, 142) comprises a projection (52) at its peripheral edge ( 16a, 16b, 116). 14. According to claims 12 and 13, wherein the cavity (72) of the flexible portion (44, 144) forms a recess (71) for receiving the protrusion (52) of the rigid portion (42, 142). A piston (16a, 16b, 116) as described. Said flexible portion (44, 144) includes an internal cavity (72), at least a portion of said rigid portion (42, 142) extends into said internal cavity (72), and said rigid portion (42, 142) the ratio of the height of said flexible portion (44, 144) to the distance from said first end (46) to said first end (68) of said flexible portion (44, 144) , approximately between 0.5 and 0.55. A cartridge (14) having a head portion (20) and cartridge walls (18a, 18b) defining receiving chambers (14a, 14b) configured to hold media to be dispensed, said head portion ( 20) includes surfaces (22, 24) and outlets (20a, 20b) at said surfaces (22, 24), said outlets (20a, 20b) passing said material through said outlets (20a, 20b). a cartridge (14), wherein said cartridge walls (18a, 18b) are configured to be collapsible; and said cartridge (14) is folded to dispense said media. A piston (16a, 16b, 116) in particular according to at least one of claims 1 to 15, wherein said piston (16a, 16b, 116) has a first diameter ( _D3 ) a rigid portion (42, 142) having a first end (46) and a second end (48), said first end (46) being in the direction of material distribution (DD ), and said piston (16a, 16b, 116) has a second diameter (D4) smaller than said _first diameter ( _D3 ) and a dispensing direction (DD ) and a second end (70) disposed in the opposite direction, said flexible portion ( 44, 144) are arranged with the second end (70) of the flexible portion (44, 144) facing the first end (46) of the rigid portion (42, 142). so that the rigid portion (42, 142) is positioned on the first end (46), and the flexible portion (44, 144) is attached to the piston (16a, 16b, 116). It is configured to expand radially upon application of a force in the direction of distribution (DD) of said material, such that said first end (68) of said flexible portion (44, 144) extends into said head portion (44, 144). pistons (16a, 16b, 116) in contact with said surfaces (22, 24) of 20)
A distribution system (10) comprising: A cartridge (14) having a head portion (20) and cartridge walls (18a, 18b) defining receiving chambers (14a, 14b) configured to hold media to be dispensed, said head portion ( 20) includes surfaces (22, 24) and outlets (20a, 20b) at said surfaces (22, 24), said outlets (20a, 20b) passing said material through said outlets (20a, 20b). a cartridge (14), wherein said cartridge walls (18a, 18b) are configured to be collapsible; and said cartridge (14) is folded to dispense said media. A piston (16a, 16b, 116) in particular according to at least one of claims 1 to 15, wherein said piston (16a, 16b, 116) has a first diameter ( _D3 ) a rigid portion (42, 142) having a first end (46) and a second end (48), said first end (46) being in the direction of material distribution (DD ), and said piston (16a, 16b, 116) has a second diameter (D4) smaller than said _first diameter ( _D3 ) and a dispensing direction (DD ) and a second end (70) disposed in the opposite direction, said flexible portion ( 44, 144) are arranged with the second end (70) of the flexible portion (44, 144) facing the first end (46) of the rigid portion (42, 142). so that the rigid portion (42, 142) is positioned on the first end (46), and the flexible portion (44, 144) is attached to the piston (16a, 16b, 116). configured to radially expand approximately 1 mm to 3 mm upon application of a force in the direction of distribution (DD) of said material, thereby said first end (68) of said flexible portion (44, 144) contacts the surfaces (22, 24) of said head portion (20), pistons (16a, 16b, 116)
A distribution system (10) comprising: Said piston (16a, 16b, 116) includes a skirt (54, 154) on at least one of said rigid portion (42, 142) and said flexible portion (44, 144), said cartridge (14) comprising: 18. A dispensing system (10) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the cartridge (14) is configured to collect within the skirt (54, 154) when compressed. 19. The dispensing system (10) of claim 18, wherein the skirt (54, 154) includes tabs (62) on the outer surface (60). 20. At least one of claims 16 to 19, wherein said first end (68) of said flexible portion (44, 144) is planar, curved, pointed or angled. A dispensing system (10) according to any one of the preceding paragraphs. Dispensing according to at least one of claims 16 to 20, wherein said second diameter (D4) of said flexible portion (44, 144) decreases in the dispensing direction ₍ DD) of said material. system (10). 22. The device of claims 16 to 21, wherein said flexible portion (44, 144) includes an internal cavity (72) and at least a portion of said rigid portion (42, 142) extends into said internal cavity (72). A dispensing system (10) according to at least one clause. Said flexible portion (44, 144) includes an internal cavity (72), at least a portion of said rigid portion (42, 142) extends into said internal cavity (72), and said rigid portion (42, 142) the ratio of the height of said flexible portion (44, 144) to the distance from said first end (46) to said first end (68) of said flexible portion (44, 144) , is between approximately 0.5 and 0.55. Said flexible portion (44, 144) is formed from a material having a durometer hardness of approximately between 15 and 60, whereby said flexible material is such that when said force is approximately 250N, said 24. The dispensing system (10) of at least one of claims 16 to 23, adapted to radially expand from 1 mm to 3 mm on contact with said surfaces (22, 24) of the head portion (20). . 25. Dispensing system according to at least one of claims 16 to 24, wherein said first end (46) of said rigid portion (42, 142) comprises a protrusion (52) at its peripheral edge. (10). A method of filling a cartridge (14) with material, comprising:
folding said cartridge (14) with a piston (16a, 16b, 116) having a rigid portion (42, 142) and a flexible portion (44, 144), said flexible portion (44, 144); is located at the dispensing end of said piston (16a, 16b, 116);
said pistons (16a, 16b, 16b) such that said flexible portions (44, 144) of said pistons (16a, 16b, 116) contact surfaces (22, 24) of head portion (20) of said cartridge (14); , 116), thereby radially expanding the diameter of said flexible portion (44, 144);
compressing the cartridge (14) between the radially outer surface (74) of the flexible portion (44, 144) and the inner surface of the cartridge support (12a, 12b);
adding said material through an opening in said head portion (20) thereby moving said piston (16a, 16b, 116) away from said head portion (20). 27. The method of claim 26, wherein folding the cartridge (14) comprises gathering the cartridge (14) within a skirt (54, 154) disposed on the piston (16a, 16b, 116). . The step of applying said force to said piston (16a, 16b, 116) comprises applying a force of approximately 250 N, thereby expanding said diameter of said flexible portion (44, 144) by about 1 mm to 3 mm. 28. A method according to claim 26 or 27, wherein air is released from the cartridge (14). A method of dispensing material from a cartridge, comprising:
providing a dispensing system (10) according to at least one of claims 16 to 24;
applying a second force to said pistons (16a, 16b, 116) to dispense said material through openings in said head portion (20). applying said second force to said pistons (16a, 16b, 116) rallying said cartridges (14) into skirts (54, 154) disposed on said pistons (16a, 16b, 116); 30. The method of claim 29, wherein: Applying said second force to said piston (16a, 16b, 116) causes said flexible portion (44, 144) to contact said surface (22, 24) of said head portion (20) and said The diameter of the flexible portion (44, 144) is radially expanded to bring the radial peripheral surface of the flexible portion (44, 144) into contact with a portion of the cartridge (14), and the head is 31. A method according to claim 29 or 30, wherein said material is dispensed through said opening in portion (20).

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